Two Promises To Vets Fulfilled

Obama announces new record system for vets

Kimberly Hefling, TPM:

Recounting the hundreds of stories he said he heard from frustrated veterans unable to receive needed treatment, Obama said: "It's time to change all that, it's time to give our veterans a 21st century VA."

He said his new military and veterans affairs budget focuses heavily on more spending for diagnosing brain injuries and psychological disabilities that have gone untreated.

"We have a sacred trust with those who wear the uniform of the United States of America, a commitment that begins with enlistment and must never end. But we know that for too long we've fallen short of meeting that commitment. Too many wounded warriors go without the care that they need," Obama said.

President Obama Fulfills Two Critical Campaign Promises to Vets

Paul Rieckhoff, TPMCafe:

President Obama has announced an overhaul of military and VA recordkeeping that will help ease the transition home for our veterans. IAVA was there at the White House for this historic announcement along with every major veterans' group.

This announcement marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration and cooperation between the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. [...]

President Obama has taken action on two key campaign promises to America's veterans--and two of IAVA's top legislative priorities for 2009. Advance funding VA healthcare and an overhaul of military and VA recordkeeping will eliminate two of the most significant bureaucratic hurdles that keep veterans from the healthcare and benefits they have earned. Veterans nationwide applaud the Administration for making veterans and their families a priority. And we look forward to continuing to work together on the many other issues facing today's veterans, including psychological injuries, unemployment and homelessness.

Vets make a deal

The Rachel Maddow Show:

April 9: President Obama announced a new plan to digitize veteran health records, which should help veterans waiting for medical benefits. What else did he say about veterans affairs? Rachel Maddow is joined by Paul Reickhoff, executive director and founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

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